Download Lady Beetles, Buckthorn, and Bees

Lady Beetles, Buckthorn, and Bees
Answering Ecological Research Questions in Your Own Landscape.
Mary Gardiner, Chelsea Smith, Ian McIlvaine, and Scott Prajzner
Exotic Lady Beetles in North Central U.S.
Exotic lady beetles released into the U.S. for over 100 years both accidently and to control agricultural pests.
To date, over 100 species of exotic lady beetles have been released
Currently, four species of exotic lady beetles are found in the North‐Central U.S.
Coccinella septempunctata
Harmonia axyridis
Hippodamia vareigata
Propylea quatuordecimpunctata
Project Objectives:
1.
Evaluate the current status of native and exotic lady beetles across Ohio
2. Examine the influence of patch and landscape scale variables on coccinellid communities found in residential gardens
3. Educate the public about the importance of conserving and enhancing lady beetles and other beneficial insects in our landscapes.
http://ladybeetles.osu.edu
BLBB Program
Fence post
2 Sticky Card Traps
Instruction Card
ID Card
Data Sheets
Mailing Envelopes
BLBB Data Collection
Select a sampling site –food or flower garden of any size
Mark your calendar: 2 sampling periods (2011 dates below)
June (12‐18) or (19‐25)
August (15‐21) or (22‐28) Approximate center of garden space
Open the sticky trap and attach to step‐in fence post
Allow to collect insects for 7 days
BLBB Data Collection and Analysis
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BLBB Program
2009: 193 collection sites,
89% return in June and 84% in Aug
2010: 258 collection sites,
84% return in June and 77% in Aug
BLBB Program 2009‐10
Ten species found in BLBB gardens
Exotic Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle & Fourteen spotted, Native Orange Spotted most common species collected.
BLBB Program 2009‐10
Three species more common in June versus August:
Native Orange Spotted, Exotic Fourteen Spotted and Seven Spotted
BLBB Program Actual versus Reported
Under estimation of exotics and over estimation of native species
** Data analyzed using a generalized linear model, negative binomial distribution
BLBB Program Rare Species
Since the introduction of exotics some native species are in decline Two‐spotted and nine‐
spotted lady beetles, from common to rare
Convergent lady beetle
appears to be declining
State Insect of Ohio!
Loss of Native Coccinellidae – WHY?
Rapid decline since the 1980’s possibly due to: • Land use change
• Pesticide use practices
• Disease
• Increased competition with exotic Coccinellidae
Hypotheses
Prior to Exotic Introduction
1. Exotic Lady Beetles are eating the eggs of native species
Native egg predation by native coccinellids
2. Exotic lady beetles are out‐
competing native species for prey
3. The presence of exotic lady beetles has increased shared parasitoids and diseases. Native species feed on pest aphids within croplands
Native species are attacked by parasitoids
Exotic Introduction
Both native and exotic species consume eggs of native species. Fewer aphids available in croplands due to exotic consumption of shared prey
Presence of exotics allow parasitoid populations to build, increasing parasitism of native species.
We knew this is happening in the lab……..
Do exotic lady beetles eat native lady beetle eggs in the field?
Does this explain the decline in native lady beetles?
Chelsea Smith, M.S.
Study Species:
Habitats (N=24):
• Exotic
• Declining Native
• Common Native
• Alfalfa
• Grassland
• Soybean
Experimental Procedure:
•
• Treatments remained in field for 48 h, number of eggs remaining determined.
• Experiment was carried out twice during the summer of 2010: mid‐June: 6/8‐
6/11 (in alfalfa and grassland only) and the end of July:7/26‐7/29 (in all habitats).
Experiment 1: Key Findings 1.
All species experienced significant egg predation in alfalfa and grassland (open treatment had fewer eggs remaining compared with caged treatment) (Figures A‐C).
2.
The amount of predation incurred in alfalfa and grassland sites was not significantly different (Figures A‐C).
Experiment 1: Key Findings 1.
All species experienced significant egg predation in alfalfa and grassland (open treatment had fewer eggs remaining compared with caged treatment).
2.
The amount of predation incurred in alfalfa and grassland sites was not significantly different.
3.
H. convergens experienced significantly more predation than the other two focal species.
Experiment 2: Key Findings
1.
All species experienced significant egg predation in all crops (open treatment had fewer eggs remaining compared with caged treatment).
2.
There was variation in the amount of predation incurred by H. convergens and H. axyridis in soybean alfalfa and grassland habitats.
Experiment 2: Key Findings
1.
All species experienced significant egg predation in all crops (open treatment had fewer eggs remaining compared with caged treatment).
2.
There was variation in the amount of predation incurred by H. convergens and H. axyridis in soybean alfalfa and grassland habitats.
3.
Across study habitats, predation of H. convergens and C. maculata did not differ. Both incurred significantly greater egg predation compared with H. axyridis .
IGP surveillance using video systems
Data was collected from 18 fields (4 soybean, 5 alfalfa, and 9 grassland) between 6/18/2010 and 8/13/2010.
Camera system designed by Matt Grieshop, MSU Guild of Egg Predators
8.3% Lady Beetle
20% Grasshopper
100% Daddy Long Legs
80% Daddy Long Legs
12.5%
Katydid
2.1% Gryllidae
6.3%
Acrididae
10.4%
Lacewings
22.9% Daddy Long Legs
10.5%
Pill Bugs
27.1%
Slugs
Future Studies….
1. Determine how the group of egg predators varies by exotic and native lady beetle species and by foraging habitat.
2. Learn more about the guild of predators attacking eggs, have their populations changed in recent decades?
3. Examine additional competitive interactions between native and exotic lady beetles. Why are exotic lady beetles so abundant?
Common Buckthorn Impacts
Soybean Aphid. Invasive pest first detected in U.S. in 2000. Common buckthorn provides food source and overwintering site. Exotic Earthworms: Prefer common Soybean Production: Soybean aphid Vegetable Production: Infested soybean buckthorn litter over native trees and reduces plant quality and yield and fields produce winged aphids which can shrubs, found in higher abundance in increases the use of pesticide in disprese into vegetable crops and common buckthorn‐invaded areas. soybean production.
transmit several plant viruses
High earthworm populations and rapid litter decomposition have negative impacts on soil biota
Forest Understory: Reduced light, loss of native herbaceous plants often Exotic Lady Beetles: Presence of Loss of Native Biodiversity: The replaced by common buckthorn soybean aphid in soybean provides an Public Support for Biological Grape Production: Beetles feed on increase in multicolored Asian lady seedlings.
abundant food source for the Control: Household nuisance. fruit in late summer, wine contaminant. beetle is correlated with a decline in multicolored Asian lady beetle an In addition, some have native lady beetle species. introduced predator
reported allergic reactions to the beetles. Common Buckthorn Invasion
Shrub/small tree
Introduced in early 1800’s as a landscape/hedge plant
Naturalized throughout northern Midwest and Northeast.
Fast growing, tolerates diversity of growing conditions, lacks natural enemies, high reproductive and dispersal capacity.
Common Buckthorn Identification
Appearance: Up to 25 ft height, multiple stems at base
Leaves: Oval with pointed tip, margins finely toothed (3‐5 pair upward‐curved veins) Glossy, hairless and smooth. Branches: Buds and leaves are opposite. End in short spines.
Bark: Rough, grey to brown with light‐
colored lenticels. Inner bark yellow and heartwood orange or pink.
Flowers: Early spring. Dense clusters, 4‐petaled, yellow‐green.
Fruit: ¼ inch purple/black in color. Present in fall.
Project Goals
USDA NIFA Funded in 2009, Biology of Weedy and Invasive Species Program
(Mary Gardiner, Andy Michel, Doug Landis, Dave Lusch, and Matt O’Neal)
Our goal is to examine whether reducing common buckthorn abundance at landscape scales will reduce the impacts of those species it supports. Soybean Aphid and Common Buckthorn
Common buckthorn supports soybean aphid in the fall, winter, and spring:
Our Research Questions
1. Does the amount of buckthorn in the landscape influence colonization of soybean fields by soybean aphid?
2. If so, at what spatial scale does buckthorn abundance influence colonization of fields? Richland County, OH
(miles, tens of miles, hundreds of miles?)
Are Ohio aphids migrating from local buckthorn infestations or moving much longer distances from Michigan or Ontario?
Shelby County, OH
Our Research Questions
1. Does the amount of buckthorn in the landscape colonization of soybean fields by soybean aphid?
2. If so, at what spatial scale does buckthorn abundance influence colonization of fields? Richland County, OH
3. Are landscapes with significant buckthorn invasion a source of multicolored Asian lady beetles?
Understanding the scale of aphid movement from common buckthorn to soybean will inform regional management of all species. Shelby County, OH
Mapping Common Buckthorn
Our first step is to map the distribution of common buckthorn across the north central U.S.
Combination of modeling and on‐the‐ground survey techniques
Using satellite images we are estimating the distribution of common buckthorn across the north central states. (Dr. Dave Lusch, RSGIS, MSU)
Common buckthorn holds its leaves late into the fall. We look for late season “greenness” in satellite images along fencerows, forest edges as an indicator of possible buckthorn presence.
Buckthorn distribution also predicted using ecological niche modeling, identify areas with conditions most likely to support common buckthorn.
common buckthorn green after overstory leaf drop. Our modeling efforts must be done in conjunction with on‐
the‐ground surveying!
The Buckthorn Watch Program
Current Projects:
1. Common Buckthorn Mapping: Volunteers report sightings of common buckthorn across the north central U.S.
2. Aphid Hunt: Surveying common buckthorn stands for soybean aphid.
http://buckthornwatch.org
http://buckthornwatch.org
The WHAT, WHEN, WHERE and WHO of Buckthorn Watch:
WHAT do Buckthorn Watch volunteers do?
Find and report common buckthorn infestations
Location
Size of patch
Density of patch
The WHAT, WHEN, WHERE and WHO of Buckthorn Watch:
ANYTIME: You can identify common buckthorn any time of year. However, its easiest to identify in the spring (flowers) or fall (fruits)
Take these pictures with you to the field, on the ID bookmark!
The WHAT, WHEN, WHERE and WHO of Buckthorn Watch:
ANYWHERE: Parks, woodlot edges, urban areas, along roadsides, hiking trails, railroad right‐of‐ways, fencerows between crop fields, maybe even your neighbor’s yard!
Park
Along HW 250
The WHAT, WHEN, WHERE and WHO of Buckthorn Watch:
ANYONE: We are all negatively impacted by the presence of these species and must work together to reduce their impacts. Farmers, master gardener groups, natural areas stewards, school groups; any individuals willing to help are encouraged to participate in Buckthorn Watch.
Sign up as a member of Buckthorn Watch, visit the Report page of our website today!
We partnered with the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network to collect data on the distribution of common buckthorn. You will be transferred to their website where you register as a member of Buckthorn Watch. After you register you will receive login information by email
Volunteers complete a short ~10 minute module and assessment to learn more
Step 1: Locate your common buckthorn patch. This patch is next to where I park my car at my apartment!
Step 2: Enter some information about the patch. Step 3: Submit your report!
You will be able to review your submission
Aphid Hunt
If you report a common buckthorn infestation and are willing to return to your site to survey it for aphids we would greatly appreciate your help. Aphid Hunt participants will receive an email in the spring and fall that indicates a 2 week “open season” to survey their reported buckthorn patches for aphids.
During spring and fall hunts, 200 leaves are inspected and the number of winged and wingless aphids recorded and collected in a zip‐close bag.
Any aphids found will be mailed to the Buckthorn Watch team (postage and shipping materials provided).
Mapping Common Buckthorn
Send us your pics!
Large scale invasive plant removal?
Its been done before!
Beginning in early 1900’s widespread and successful removal of Barberry to reduce black rust in wheat.
“Help us locate every bush..”
Help us study bumble bee health in your own backyard!
Our research will help with understanding how different residential environments affect bumble bee health. Scott Prajzner
Caitlin Burkman
Chelsea Smith
Ben Phillips
Shanae Davis
Ian McIlvaine
Bethany Hunt
Kojo Quaye
Acknowledgements:
All Our Volunteers!
Denise Ellsworth and Pam Bennett
Amos Ziegler
The Stewardship Network Funding provided by OARDC SEEDS Grant and USDA NIFA AFRI Program